Fallen From Grace
Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Gal 5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
The Jewish Christians were compelling the Gentiles to be as Jews. We can't leave grace and hold to the laws and customs of the Jews. Jesus is the way, no other.
Gal 5:3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
Again, the legalists among the Galatians wanted them to think they could observe some aspects of the law without coming under the entire law; but when we choose to walk by law, we must walk by the whole law. If you follow the law, for salvation then you must be perfect. For God does not allow lawbreakers into heaven. Again, Jesus is our perfection.
Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Rom 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
Gal 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Fallen from grace does not mean losing ones salvation, but falling away from grace into legalism as a way of life. One man I knew once said I wish there was a rule for everything, then I would know what to do. This is living by rules and legalism. The Spirit led man lives by grace and has freedom, without the punishment for sin. Jesus took our sins and punishment at the cross.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Hope of Righteousness
Gal 5:5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
Gal 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Hope
Phil 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Phil 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Paul certainly speaks from a dedicated heart. I know God was pleased with his service. We carry the same commitment to a sin darkened world. I am not ashamed of Christ Jesus, nor is he of those who follow him willingly.
Righteousness
Keeping laws and ceremonies was part of the Old Covenant, and yet salvation was always by faith in the promised saviour, Jesus the Messiah.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Many search only in the flesh and for its desires, they must feel something; it is not of flesh but of the soul and Spirit. Jesus is our righteousness, receiving him will satisfy the souls hunger and thirst. As Jesus said to his disciples; my food is to do my Father's will and so too is our food to do the will of the Father and receive his son whom he has sent for forgiveness of sins and freedom from bondage.
Faith
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Rom 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Love in the Spirit
Rom 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Thank you Lord for your Spirit; the promise of eternal life in Jesus and the outpouring of your love for us to receive and share with others. Let us be your light in a darkened world for hearts crying out from satan's bondage, looking for hope and a reason to live. For those only looking for flesh needs, repent and humble yourselves before it is too late, for no work of the flesh will stand before God, He is a consuming fire.
Obey the Truth
Gal 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
What hinders you? Why are you so quickly turned away from the truth? I ask this of some I have known who once prayed to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, but now are unwilling to commit to him. Jesus Is Lord, we had better hold fast to him and cleave to him like glue. A branch separated from the vine will die and be cast into the fire.
John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
Gal 5:8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
You are not listening to God's voice. The Holy Spirit has been given to you to discern all truth.
John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Listen to the Spirit of truth, I say it again; listen to the Spirit of truth. Compare all things to God's word in the Bible. We are responsible, we are responsible to put off the evil and put on the truth.
Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Gal 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
Leaven or yeast like sin will contaminate the whole body. Sin is like a cancer; it starts small but spreads throughout the body, an intruder. A dark thing that does not belong, soon only God can heal you for there is no other hope. I warn those following afar off from Christ. You are responsible to keep yourself clean of sin; put it off, humbly seek God in repentance, and he will restore you.
Gal 5:10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
You know the right way. Don't be led astray by others. Are others pulling you in another direction? Are those around you putting pressure on you to follow their way? Remember the words of Jesus. Follow him, do not look back, do not look to family, and do not look to the right or the left. Follow Jesus, he is the way of truth.
Gen 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Luke 17:32 Remember Lot's wife.
Luke 17:33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mat 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Luke 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
Luke 11:24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
Luke 11:25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
Luke 11:26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
Seek Jesus with all your heart, perhaps demons are already in the door; in the end it is your choice to serve God or to serve darkness.
Cut Off
Gal 5:11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
Gal 5:12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
Paul recognized that circumcision was a sign for the Jews, but it was not required for the Gentiles. The Gentiles are not bound by the Old Covenant observances of the Hebrew people who were under ceremonial laws, feasts and customs. I would that they be separated from among those they seek to lead away. Those who preach cutting to the gentiles may they be cut off.
2 Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Not by law but by grace are we saved and kept. I have seen the legalists in the chat rooms; yes even they have cornered me. They say you are not saved unless you were baptized in their Church saying certain words. You are not following the truth if you do not meet on the Saturday Sabbath for Church. You are wrong if you believe in a trinity; some claim Jesus Only as God. Others worship through Mary or a Saint. Legalism and man-made customs comes in many forms; I wish that these dividers were cut off from their dividing of the body of Christ.
Jesus spoke with authority to the religious leaders who rejected him; we do not make another way or make it hard to find Jesus. He is the way so we hear him.
John 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
John 5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
John 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
John 5:47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
Not by works but by grace do we receive Jesus and salvation.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Titus 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Following salvation we walk in truth and love by His Spirit.
Thou Shalt Love
Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
We are free to love and serve one another. Some are hard to love in the natural, but God's spirit loves them anyways. We are never free to sin. Yes we can sin and often do sin, but this is not of God. Every sin is a place for darkness to enter.
1 Cor 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
1 Cor 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
1 Cor 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On blackboards throughout American schools until the 1960's was a Bible admonition; "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".
James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
James 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Walk in the Spirit
Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Gal 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
In families I have seen children who are at peace with one another, where there is little strife. Even the cat and dog are at peace. This is how it should be in the family of God; a family of love and peace. If we have love for one another we break no laws.
In other families I have seen great strife and competition, this should not be. Usually if we look to the parents, or lack of parents you see conflict. Perhaps unresolved dark areas have allowed devils to lodge. If one or both are using a drug or alcohol, the spirits again come in. Where the devil is there is division and strife and every evil work. This is the fruit of the flesh.
Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
We are commanded to walk in the spirit and in truth. This is the way of Jesus. We also are told in other scriptures to put off works of the flesh, and yes confess sins of the past, so the devil has no place to lodge. We can't pretend to walk in the spirit, and inside be filled with fear and torment. Seek Jesus for delivery. Then you are free to walk in victory. Jesus has made you free, walk in this freedom, only not to pursue the lusts of the flesh.
Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Seek the Lords face in prayer until you have the victory. Know the promises and the things you need to do to receive them. Search the Bible carefully. and you will walk in his will.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 11:10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
2 Cor 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Walking in the Spirit is walking in the light of Jesus. He is the way, the truth and the life. It is a walk of faith in him so we are to keep our hearts clean.
Walking In The Spirit
Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
It is the new man, the new life given in God's Spirit that we have the victory over the flesh and sin. The natural man cannot please God; only by following God's spirit do we please God. The person saved from sins by Jesus is then kept pure by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of truth. The Spirit of truth keeps our mind guarded from the devils darts of fear, confusion, condemnation and depression.
Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
No, it is not a list of rules, but the living presence of God guiding us each minute. It is a close walk with Jesus, connected as one new life. God cannot sin; if we follow him we do well. We sin when we rely on our own way and seek the desires of the flesh. A prophecy this morning in church said that now is the hour to be free from bondages. We are to be serving and trusting the Lord with all our hearts. In this way we will help the captives be free and to walk in victory and HE will keep us from harm.
Another thought; before we walk in the Spirit, sometimes we need to wait upon the Lord. If we begin a journey we must be sure it is the Lord whom we follow. I confess that I sometimes am impatient; I seek to figure out the problem, find a solution and then walk in it. Notice the "I"? Wait upon the Lord, he will confirm the solution, main time walk in the light that you do have, the light revealed to you in the scriptures.
Isa 40:30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Psa 31:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
Psa 31:2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
Psa 31:3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
Psa 31:4 Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
Psa 31:5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
Works of the Flesh
Works of the flesh are mentioned in the plural because they are distinct from, each other. But "the fruit of the Spirit" is mentioned in the singular, Galatians 5:22, as being all consistent and connected.
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
These are sexual sins; lasciviousness has the idea of "ready to sin at any time. This is in evidence in the city gangs, looking for trouble. There is a rise in sexual sins, as it was in Roman times, or in the time of Noah. God will hasten his coming partly because of this. God is the avenger.
Isa 5:19 That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!
Isa 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Isa 5:21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Isa 5:22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
Isa 5:23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Isa 5:24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
These are sins of the spirit of man. Idolatry and witchcraft go together, seeking the worship of devils and the power thereof. The power of Jesus Christ is greater; His blood destroys all oaths and covenants with the devil for those who are in him and are saved by faith.
Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
They who continuously do these things, as a way of life shall not see heaven.
These are social sins against others created in God's image. Envyings are very bad, seeking to destroy another to prevent them from having what the other wants. Seeing good and trying to make it evil. The religious leaders envied Jesus. Envy leads to murder, the murderer hides his sin in drunkenness, and revellings, wild parties and sexual impurities that take us back to the top of the list. Soon all this becomes as a god to them, leading them deeper into darkness.
1 Cor 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
1 Cor 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Cor 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
We are clean who have received Jesus; we have come out of the darkness into the light. The path may be crooked until now, but the road to heaven is a straight one. It is entered through trusting in the one who is the door. The gatekeeper, the Holy Spirit leads us through the gate that is Jesus and away from the works of darkness. Do not be afraid to follow Jesus, he will keep you safe if you trust in him completely.
Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
The Fruit of the Spirit
Love
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Love is the fruit of the Spirit; the other terms simply describe what God's love will look like in our lives. The word "love" here is the Greek word agape, the unselfish spiritual love that comes from God. In our language, we have only one word, love. In the Bible the original Greek words used for love were at least four different words and meanings.
The first kind of love used by many is "pathos" It means passion, a physical lust. Let me tell you about this kind of love. Lust love cares only for its own desires, often hurting the one it uses for it's own pleasure. This love is lust towards another. When others use you for their own pleasure and then leave you. This is not a good love. Actually it is not even love as used in the Bible.
1 Thesalonians 4 :5 not in the passion of lust like heathen who do not know God;
The second word used for love is "phileo". This kind of love is friendship, to be liked by another. To be approved of, gentle affection like a hug. It is a kind welcoming love, sometimes a gentle kiss, like on the cheek. Gentle words to make you feel good. Kind deeds, like making you tea and talking.
John 16:27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
The third word for love is "philadelphia" like the city name. This is brotherly love. The Bible says we are to love our neighbors as our self this is brotherly love. It is a love between brothers and sisters of kindness and good works. It is the kind of love shared by Christians together as one heart, in the family of God. Here is a Bible verse about this kind of love:
Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
The forth kind of love is "agapao" love. This is God's love. Let me use a verse with this agapao love.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
It is a love that wants good towards another. It is a sacrificial love, putting the others needs first. This love does not take from another. It is a love given by God, that desires the very best for you, to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly.
joy...
Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Joy is ours because God loves us and sent his Son to save us from our sins. What great joy there is in knowing that another person loves us. How great is our joy to know that God loves us forever. Satan gives fear and death but God gives joy and life.
Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
Luke 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
Joy often comes out of persecution or sorrows, for if we know pain with no hope, and then receive Jesus and eternal life, there is much joy.
Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
We have joy because Jesus has made us free and given us power over satan.
Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
The angels in heaven share our joy when a person repents and receives new life in Jesus. Yes, Joy is of God's Spirit and we Joy in good things from him. The natural man has little joy because it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 24:50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
Luke 24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
Luke 24:52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
Luke 24:53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
We have joy in praising and worshipping the risen Saviour who sits at the right hand of God interceding for us. We are people of Joy!!!!
Peace
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, peace...
Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Jesus sends truth that divides because we are either for him or against him.
Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Jesus has left us His peace in the comforter, the Holy Ghost. This is a favorite verse of mine.; let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
No matter what happens, Jesus promises us His peace
Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Phil 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Phil 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Psa 34:12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
Psa 34:13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Psa 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Psa 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
Psa 34:16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
Psa 34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
Psa 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Psa 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
Psa 34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
Psa 34:21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
Psa 34:22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
Longsuffering
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
longsuffering...
No ones favorite fruit, but an attribute of God and holy living.
Exo 34:5 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.
Exo 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
Exo 34:7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
Exo 34:8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.
Wow! Note that longsuffering is sandwich between mercy and grace; goodness and truth. Lets remember these attributes when we start to fail in our patience: merciful and gracious - goodness and truth...
How and why then shall we be longsuffering?
Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
It is to fulfill our calling to edify the body of Christ, bearing our cross and another’s burden as an act of love to restore unity and peace in the body of Christ. I was feeling down and a friend bore the burdens with me and spent a day in prayer and fasting. The power is restored to me. Thank you! Oh I heard of another, a young woman, a newly wed two years ago, she was depressed and took her own life. If only I had known. Look around dear people of God, there are others needing encouragement, suffer with them for a time and perhaps you will restore or even save a life.
Col 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Col 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
We need not have sad :( long faces suffering so, NO, it is Joyfulness, we are children of light.
2 Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
I am glad my Lord is longsuffering and forgiving, we can be this way to. Thank you Jesus for not being quick to judge us. You gave us time to respond to you and to be your disciple, we will try to be like you; longsuffering with others.
Gentleness
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
1 Th 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
1 Th 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
A newborn babe needs gentleness, for they are in a vulnerable condition. Harsh words or actions can harm a new babe in Christ. If we show love imparting the gospel message from our hearts we become their safe and loving friend.
2 Tim 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2 Tim 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Loving gentleness with patience; even towards those that oppose the message and their own deliverance. Perhaps by your love they will repent.
Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Mat 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Envy, strife - confusion and evil are the works of the devil.
God's wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, merciful and just and true.
Jesus was gentle towards those in need;
Isa 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
Isa 42:2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
Isa 42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
We have his nature through the Holy Spirit
John 1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
John 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.
John 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.
The gentle Spirit of truth; peace and comfort come by the mighty Spirit of judgment and truth for boldness in witnessing. Father you saved us by gentleness; please enable us to reach others and care for them with this same gentleness
Goodness
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,
Exo 18:8 And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the LORD delivered them.
Exo 18:9 And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.
The LORD delivers his people from bondage, rejoice fror his goodness.
Isa 61:1 The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Jesus is the goodness of the LORD come to set us free.
Rom 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
Hear this, you who fall away. Return to the goodness of the Lord for you are safe there and do not tempt God by your disobedience.
John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Mat 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Abide in Christ; ask the father and he will give you good things.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Meekness
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness,
Meekness...gentle, mild, meek; strength under control, a willingness to submit to proper authority
Num 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
Jesus described himself as meek:
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
The first appearance of Jesus was as a meek and lowly savior, a servant.
Mat 21:5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
In his second coming he comes with a sword and with judgment. (Jude 14,15)
Meekness is of great value in the sight of God
1 Pet 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
1 Pet 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
2 Tim 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle (meek) unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
Psa 147:6 The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
The Lord loves a meek spirit, a proud spirit will be cast down, the meek he will raise up. Lord give us a meek and gentle spirit, may we walk in your Holy Spirit.
Temperance
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
temperance...., "self-control" is the preferable rendering, as "temperance" is now limited to one form of self-control; the various powers bestowed by God upon man are capable of abuse; the right use demands the controlling power of the will under the operation of the Spirit of God; (Vines dictionary)
Rom 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Yes, walk in the Spirit of God and do not do what is natural for sinful flesh.
1 Cor 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
1 Cor 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
1 Cor 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
No matter how well you preach or teach, if you are rude or immoral, you are become as a castaway. You can't hide behind grace if you are representing Jesus Christ.
Phil 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Do not over indulge...food, TV, sports, work, you know.
1 Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
1 Th 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
1 Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
2 Pet 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Pet 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
2 Pet 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
Faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness; steps in the Christian walk. If we have faith, are we immoral? If we have knowledge are we a drunk? If we are patient and ungodly, what is the waiting for; there is no reward for intemperance. We are to be like our master, not like the world. The life we live we live each day, not in hypocrisy. The world sees through this, so does God. Lord God, help us to be temperate, balanced Christians. Not people looking for some sort of high. Only you are lifted high. Help us to be as you want us to be, in Jesus’ name.
Live in the Spirit
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence (lusts and desires), and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Col 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
Our home is forever in Christ, put your affections in him and seek those around you to bring them to Jesus. If we are crucified with Christ then mortify, kill the desires of the flesh and set your affections on things above.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Our life is new, walk in your new life, separate yourself from evil and be led by God's Holy Spirit.
Gal 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
vain glory
Mat 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
We are as Christ, servants seeking the Father's will not as the Pharisees seeking to make ourselves of high regard and looking down on others.
provoking
Eph 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Titus 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
envying
Malice and envy, a two headed snake. Envy is wanting to possess another’s gift from God and malice is plotting to destroy and defile this person. The Chief priests treated our Lord with malice and envy. Thank God for the washing of regeneration, we are remade as new people and our sins are washed away in the blood of Jesus. Behold all things are become new. Though evil ones may accuse us from malice and envy, we are in Christ forever loved and saved. Jesus we love you and thank you!
Gary
Galatians Chapters
Galatians 6
Galatians 4
Galatians 3
Galatians 2
Galatians 1